Steering lock and other fun activities

**jessem** · 12-14-2010, 09:26 PM

Im looking to increase the lock in my r32 as well, Im keen on doing a few things in my front suspension to make my car a little more track worthly.

First off does anyone have experience running a big front sway bar? I have a fair size rear one 22mm i believe but I will be runnning a 24mm whiteline unit and im worried I may lose some of my oversteering characteristics, Well i guess thats a given but will it go to far the other way and Ill have lots of understeer? Maybe some toe out will help me.

As for the lock im most likely going to install some spacers at very least, but how much spacer can my stock inner tierods handle? Is 5mm ok? As well as this Ill probably grind some of my bump stop off but im worried i may start over centering the steering wheel, and/or rubbing the wheel on the inside of the wheel arch.
I also considered aftermarket tierod ends but im not sure if these are all the effective, theres a lot of hype about less bump steer and what not.

Boxing control arms worth it?

I know some of you are talking about running s13 front ends which is cool but a little extreme for me.

Someone please start a gtrc drifting setup chat with me

**Supraclean** · 12-16-2010, 04:49 AM

Yes Jessem let's do this dance. I have a couple threads bookmarked on Driftworks and other sites. I have seen a few builds that use the Power by max angle kit but that seems a little to extreme for my driving atm.

A lot of the guys run the small steering rack spacer, but you have to make sure there's enough threads on the end of the tie rods. Those aftermarket tie rods can get really expensive so I mean I'm not gunna pay for upgraded ones untill I break/bend then ones I have upfront.

Also on driftworks site if you click under 32 gtst they have lower arms that will help with angle/lock.

Ill pm you when I'm on my home computer and well chat more.

My question is there guys other there that mod there front spindles like the S13 guys do?

**Supraclean** · 12-16-2010, 04:55 AM

Also forgot to mention with the sway bars, are you planning on running the 24 up front or rear? If you compare your stock front/rear sway bars the front is a fair bit bigger.

My guess is that you should be ok running a little bigger upfront that way to can still keep the rear kicked out "aka your oversteer". Maybe Marc or Frankiman can tie into this with there track back ground. I know Marc said he really enjoyed upgrading his rear sway bar to a gtr one which is 22 I believe.

**sarazinj** · 12-16-2010, 09:37 AM

oddly enough im running r32 front spindles on my purpose built drift car (s13)

**Supraclean** · 12-16-2010, 08:00 PM

Originally Posted by sarazinj

oddly enough im running r32 front spindles on my purpose built drift car (s13)

Fair enough, I mean I know theres a guy in DMCC with an FD that runs 32 fronts "aka Lightning Mcqueen" and he gets mad angle/lock. Thats right right Conroy theres your free shout out. Jessem what we should do is get ahold of Ian Fournier or somebody that would have lots of Gtst seat time.

**M13** · 12-16-2010, 10:17 PM

increasing rear sway would reduce understeer and increase oversteer.

**Supraclean** · 12-16-2010, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by M13

increasing rear sway would reduce understeer and increase oversteer.

Now that I reread my post it doesnt make sence. What I mean is its ok to go with a bigger one aslong as the rear is bigger. Also thankx Mike.

**plankworx** · 12-17-2010, 02:29 AM

for 250$ +welding, you can't really beat the PBM gear. it has two mount spots so it isnt necessarily 'extreme'... not that more steering lock is ever a bad thing really.
As for over-centering... you wont, stop worrying about it.
boxing lower control arms is only needed if you end up with something like the PBM kit where control-arm-slammage happens often, otherwise no need. I`m not sure what `lower arms`driftworks has that could increase angle.... maybe longer therefore more camber? but in any case I wouldnt touch their stuff as it`s all faaaar far overpriced and then you have to get it here from england.

personally I found a handful of machine washers at Rona and stuffed them behind the inner tie rods. mechanic buddy said game-on as long as you have 6+ threads of contact. bumpsteer is still pretty bad but the lock is much better and it didnt cost me anything.

should also mention... PBM(or any) knuckles combined with rod spacers will result in caliper->suspension-upright smacking. Will need to notch the upright for max angle without breaking things.

**Supraclean** · 12-17-2010, 03:12 AM

That does sound like a good cheap alternative plantx, thankyou.

By extreme I ment having to mod and hack to make sure your not smashing suspension parts for max complete 180 degree tire angle. I know for myself I'm probably going to be happy with spacers with my tire combo atm.

**jessem** · 12-17-2010, 07:34 PM

That is a very good price for the pbm stuff but i was more after was some simple alternatives for the time being and it sounds like steering spacers is one decent way at least.

As i stated i have a 22mm solid rear sway and i will have a 24mm solid front sway bar with hicas removed, so if anything i should have a relatively balanced set up now.

Anyone grind the bump stops down any? maybe cut them off and weld a plate there ive heard of.

Changing the topic a bit is tension rods worth a purchase? Is more caster above stock necessary? Ive heard mixed opinions.